Guest Picks: Bring the Styles of the World Home
In honor of the Olympics, bring styles from countries all over the world together for an eclectic, well-traveled look
In the spirit of the 2012 summer Olympics in London, I've gathered together 20 noteworthy design items from a selection of countries. Bring a little bit of international glamour into your own home! — Emma from The Marion House Book
Antique Suzani
Suzani textiles come from Uzbekistan and are delicately stitched with an array of patterns. They can be used as throws on the sofa or chair or hung on the wall. They can also be used over a table.
Stem Jacquard Towel
Bring a taste of Ireland into your home with these bold towels by Irish designer Orla Kiely. They are a fun way to brighten up a bathroom.
Modern Pendant Lighting
This faceted glass pendant light is from Granada, Spain. It would be perfect in an entryway or an elegant bath.
Fouquet Chair, Black/Silver
When I think of France, the first thoughts that come to mind are food and those wonderful Parisian cafés. Bring a bit of France home with you with one of these woven bistro chairs.
Mexican Coverlet, Gray
If you're looking for a new coverlet for your bed or hanging for your wall, look no further than these Mexican throws, sometimes called tenangos. They come in vivid colors and cool neutrals like this gray one.
Mud Pebble Bowls
I love the organic shape and colors of these bowls by Australian design company Mud. They would be perfect displayed on an open shelf in your kitchen.
Moroccan Wedding Blanket, WSB-43
Moroccan wedding blankets are beautiful handmade throws that could work at the bottom of your bed or on the wall. They are covered in tiny sequins that reflect and play with the light, making them great additions to any room.
The Bear Mother Chest
This stunning carved blanket box is by Canadian artist Chester Patrick. Use it in your living room underneath a painting or in your entryway.
VW Flag Rug
Iconic fashion designer Vivienne Westwood brings it home for Britain with her take on the Union Jack. This wool rug would make a statement in your living room or bedroom.
Paola Navone Nuvola Collection
The Italians are known for their impeccable style, and this plush armchair designed by Paola Navone is no exception.
Vintage Tsutsugaki Furoshiki Indigo Cloth by Orime
I'd love to hang a vintage Japanese textile like this indigo one above my bed or mantelpiece. The rich blue color would look outstanding in a primarily white room.
Aalto Savoy Case, Clear
Finnish architect Alvar Aalto brings his clean, modern style to the Savoy vase. An iconic piece like this would always find a place in your home.
Linen Turkish Towel Pestemal, Linen and Dark Blue Striped
Dress up your powder room with these Turkish hand towels. Their lightweight composition means they dry quickly and look beautiful folded over a towel rack.
Eames Hang-It-All | Design Within Reach
The iconic American designers Charles and Ray Eames bring their midcentury modern aesthetic to this hanger. I love the bright burst of color this brings to a room.
Java Batik Pillow
I think these Javanese pillows from Indonesia are absolutely lovely and would make great additions to your sofa. The fabric comes from recycled vintage sarongs that are made using the traditional batik method.
Thai Granite Mortar and Pestle
When I think of Thailand, I think of the food. The granite mortar and pestle is integral to many Thai dishes, and this one is so good looking you could leave it out on your counter.
Mardi Gras Rug, Red/Multi
Made from recycled Indian sari fabric, this multicolored rug is both soft to the touch and beautiful to look at.
Senegalese Knitting Basket, Green
This basket woven by women in Senegal combines colorful plastic and grass to make an eye-catching storage bin. I have a couple of these throughout my home.
Malin Cirkel Fabric
There's a good chance that you already have a touch of Sweden in your home. If you've ever shopped at Ikea, then you have done the country proud. This whimsical fabric is one of the newest items in the store, and it can be used for curtains or pillows.
frazadas
I can't get enough of the beautiful, bold stripes on these Bolivian blankets, or frazadas. Textiles like these have so many uses: Bring it with you to the beach or the cottage, or leave it at home and use it on your bed.
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Draper Stripe Ink Rug
Bold alternating stripes in black and white make this rug a standout. Add it to a living room or bedroom for some graphic punch.